Freedom from Judging
Submitted by Ford Prefect on March 9 2001 09:19:58
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Daily Meditation: March 9 by Henri Nouwen; from Bread for the Journey, Harper Collins, New York, 1997 Freedom from Judging, Freedom for mercy We spend an enormous amount of energy making up our minds about other people. Not a day goes by without somebody doing or saying something that evokes in us the need to form an opinion about him or her. We hear a lot, see a lot, and know a lot. The feeling that we have to sort it all out in our minds and make judgments about it can be quite oppressive. The desert fathers said that judging others is a heavy burden, while being judged by others is a light one. Once we can let go of our need to judge others, we will experience an immense inner freedom. Once we are free from judging, we will be also free for mercy. Let's remember Jesus' words: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged" (Matthew 7:1). ---------- [personal note:] Once again, I am smitten. ---Ford |
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